Getting a Cup of Joe, poem by Joan McNerney at Spillwords.com

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Getting a Cup of Joe

Joan McNerney·March 10, 2023

Poetry English

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Getting a Cup of Joe

written by: Joan McNerney

It is 13 degrees above zero.
There is a long line of java
worshippers at Serve Ya’Self.

As more aficionados join us
wide doors open automatically
bringing snow squalls. We
patiently shuffle our black boots.

Finally a weary “Associate” opens
another cash register. Eureka!
My time arrives for a taste of heaven.

A metal plaque informs me
urns and canisters of dark roast
are “out”. No cream either.

Tramping over to where the sugar,
stirrers and napkins hide. They
are not in their usual place! Forlornly
I hold in my disappointment.

Eureka! I spy a napkin holder. Is this
the new spot for sugar? Sweat trickles
down my face as my scarf unloosens.

Exhausted but desperate to find
a lid for my coffee. Crying out
“where are the lids?” … a handsome
young man replies … “here!”

Jubilant ready to leave … when suddenly …
I slip over some ice outside.
Leaping Lizards & Gees Louise …
my “cup of joy” splatters over snow mounds.

About
Latest Posts

Joan McNerney

Joan McNerney has been the recipient of three scholarships. She has recited her work at the National Arts Club, New York City, State University of New York, Oneonta, McNay Art Institute, San Antonio and the University of Houston, Texas. Published worldwide in over thirty five countries, her work has appeared in literary publications too numerous to mention. Four Best of the Net nominations have been awarded to her. The Muse in Miniature, Love Poems for Michael and At Work are available on Amazon. A new release entitled Light & Shadow explores the recent historic COVID pandemic.

Lou Storey

A textbook example of nominative determinism, Lou Storey has always been a storyteller, a fact well illustrated in his art and in his writing. His careers have reflected that as well, first as a creator of idea-based exhibitions for museums, and later as a psychotherapist employing narrative therapies. His art and his writing share qualities of rich texture and detail, examining our capacity to be absurd while allowing a measure of forgiveness for our foibles. Storey and his husband Steve retired in 2021 and moved from New Jersey to Savannah Georgia. “We love everything about Savannah, it is like a city that looks like a park and thinks it’s a small town. Best of all, we can grow bananas in the backyard!”

Treats Only, Please! by Lauren Scott

Creepy cackles from tall, looming trees
startle their jumpy heartbeats as they walk.
Shadows discreetly follow the echoes
while they timidly proceed down the block.

Young voices repeat with conviction,
“It’s just a night for entertainment.”
There’s no need for goosebumps and fear
as their eyes focus on the cracked pavement.

Undeniably sensing they’re not alone,
many follow in their hesitant footsteps,
eager to reach doors and push doorbells
but afraid of frightening special effects....

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